Zanthos back in business with all-the-way Rockfel win

Zanthos roared back to winning ways with victory in the BoyleSports-sponsored Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket.

Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, the €1million breeze-up buy had created a taking impression on the July course on debut but then had no answer to Touleen when they clashed at Leicester earlier this month.

Although connections were not deterred ahead of the rematch with Owen Burrows’ 11-10 favourite, Zanthos was a drifter before the off and having been second-favourite on the morning of the race, walked out to 15-2 by the time Oisin Murphy exited stall 10 and made his enterprising move down the stands rail.

Allowed to bowl along in splendid isolation, the daughter of Sioux Nation cut a fine sight as she blitzed down the Rowley Mile and although William Buick on the slowly-away Touleen tracked across in a bid to keep tabs on the runaway leader, it was ultimately The Prettiest Star who gave Zanthos backers most cause for concern in the closing stages.

Ed Walker’s 12-1 chance got within half a length, with Sir Mark Prescott’s Moon Target also running on for third, but they were no match for Zanthos who was cut to 16-1 for next year’s 1000 Guineas by Paddy Power. Touleen was only fifth on this occasion.